Boston survives in Buffalo

The Boston Bruins were able to overcome a 2 goal deficit and won 4-3 in a shoot-out at the First Niagra Center. The NHL was looking at that game after Lucic ran over Miller a couple of weeks ago. The Sabres played their best first period this season and had a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. TJ Brennan who was called up from Rochester scored his first NHL goal in his first NHL game and gave Buffalo a 3-1 lead midway through the 2nd.

So why did Buffalo lose then? Boston fought back into the game and , as usual, had some help from the guys in black and white on the ice. They scored 2 PPG's on PP's that should have never happened. On the first penalty the Bruins were clearly offside. As a result of that they had the extra step on Buffalo's D and the Sabres ended up taking a penalty on that rush. Seguin scored to cut the deficit to 1.

Chara added another PPG in the third and tied the game at 3. Roy was behind his own net when he got his stick held. But it wasn't a holding the stick penalty against Boston, it was a call that send Roy to the box. Roy tried to argue but it didnt help and Chara's shoit deflected in of Ehrhoffs leg just moments later.

In the Shoot-out it took 6 rounds to find a winner but in the end the Bruins took home the extra point.

Overall the Sabres played a good game and proved that they are able to answer the physical play by Boston. They outhit the Bruins 39-24 and Nathan Gerbe had a team-high 8 hits. But once again the Sabres finished a game one man short. Jochen Hecht played his first game after his concussion and had a strong game. On a line with Vanek and Pominville his back and forechecking was very good. Brad Boyes left the game and Ruff told the media that he will miss some time.

Milan Lucic who made his first trip to Buffalo after injuring Miller, was invisible for the entire game. He had a fight with Gaustad two minutes into the game. You can hardly call it a fight though as no one landed a single punch. Lots of misses and no blood was exchanged. Regehr had a fight later on as well but once again you couldn't really call it a fight as no one went down by contact.

Bag of the game though is Shawn Thornton. Known as a tough guy on the team he challenged 3 guys for a fight on the ice.

A) Thomas Vanek (0 Fights in his NHL career)

B) Jochen Hecht (First game back after a concussion and first game since last year's playoffs.)

C) Nathan Gerbe (5'5" - 178 / Thornton at 6'2" - 217)

So not really classy moves out there by Shawn.

In the end that game should give Buffalo a lot of confidence. They are able to play a good game against the (at the moment) best team in the league and they had chances to win it. In a few months we might look back at the Lucic hit on Miller and we might thank Milan for his stupid move as it could turn out as a team building event.

Tonight the Sabres play the Blue Jackets and after the injury that Boyes suffered, Buffalo called up Zack Kassian. People expect a lot out of this kid but I think Kassian is not NHL ready yet. I don't expect fights or goals or anything like that tonight from him. I would be happy if he does his job on the ice which means... Finish your checks, play physical and keep it simple.

The game starts at 7PM.